What to expect when you report sexual offences or child abuse

We understand this is a difficult time. Your wellbeing and safety are our priority.

We will listen without judgement and treat you with courtesy, respect, and dignity.

We will respect your cultural background and your individual safety and accessibility needs.

The decision to conduct a formal investigation will be discussed with you. We will consider and respect your views.

We will discuss your support needs with you, including formal and informal support.

We will work with you and help connect you with victims of crime support agencies.

You can choose to have a support person throughout your dealings with us.

They can be someone you trust, like a friend, family member or someone from a support service.

It is important that your support person is not a witness in the case and does not interfere with the police investigation.

We will discuss how you would like us to keep you informed throughout the investigation.

We will then keep you updated in the way you choose.

We are also available for any other questions you may have.

Your statement is usually taken very early in the investigation. We do this in a private setting and make sure you are comfortable.

What we ask in a statement

A statement records what you remember about your experience. It should contain as much detail as possible.

We will ask you about everything you can remember about what happened, including:

• sounds
• smells
• how you felt
• what was said
• what you did.

Try not to leave anything out. Even small details that you might not think are important can help us with the investigation.

And if you remember something later, we can easily add it to your statement.

Our detectives are specially trained to support you

We know recalling sexual offences can be difficult. It is not easy to share personal information.

Our detectives will treat you with dignity and respect. They are trained to understand the impacts of sexual offences and will support you through the process.

You can bring a support person when you make a statement

You may also have a support person present for emotional support. This person can be a friend, family member or someone you trust.

Make your statement at your own pace

Take the time you need to make your statement.

It is essential you feel comfortable when giving your statement.

Giving your statement may take several hours and may sometimes need several appointments.

You will get a copy of your statement

You will be given a copy of your statement when you have finished.

You can add or update your statement later

If you remember something later or find a mistake in the statement, you can add to it.

Ask to speak to the detective looking after your case and let them know.

Your investigation will be led by a detective who will be your main point of contact.

We will keep you informed of the progress during the investigation.

We are always available for any questions or concerns you may have.

Receive updates in your choice of format

We can discuss with you how you would like us to update you during the investigation, such as:

• in writing
• by phone
• by email
• in person.

If you don't want updates, let us know - or we can provide progress reports to your support person instead.

We will encourage and support you throughout the investigation.

However, you may choose to withdraw from the police investigation at any time.

Regardless of your decision, your safety and welfare will be our priority. We will work with you to connect you with available support services.

We can continue the investigation later

Deciding not to continue does not stop you from proceeding later.

But a delay in the investigation may result in some evidence being lost.

If there is a risk to community safety, the investigation may continue

Where there is a risk to community safety, we may still need to proceed with an investigation.

You may be asked to undergo a forensic medical examination.

If a forensic medical examination is needed, we explain precisely what it will involve. We will also arrange the consultation for you (with your consent).

You don't have to take part in a forensic medical examination, but important evidence may be lost if you choose not to.

What happens in a forensic medical examination

A trained medical professional conducts our forensic medical examinations. These professionals will:

• address any immediate medical needs
• collect evidence for use in the investigation
• may take photos of any injuries
• discuss any concerns you may have (such as sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy).

You can have a counsellor or a support person attend the examination

You may like to have a counsellor or a support person present during the examination.

To find out more about forensic medical examinations go to Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine.

We will collect evidence related to a sexual offence or case of child abuse.

What we collect as evidence will depend on the circumstances of the crime.

The evidence collected during the investigation will be stored securely.

How long we keep evidence

Any items taken as evidence will only be kept as long as necessary. Later, we ask you which things you would like returned.

We will take statements from witnesses

We will take statements from people who may have been a witness or can give us helpful information.

If you have concerns about any witness interviews

We understand you may be reluctant to have detectives speak to your family or friends. We will respect your privacy. We will not reveal unnecessary information when speaking to witnesses.

If you are worried about anyone we might speak to, let us know so we can discuss your concerns.

If the accused is known or identified, we may interview them.

Depending on the circumstances, the accused may be kept in custody, released, or granted bail until the court case starts. We will keep you informed of what's happening and discuss how to manage your safety.

Evidence and going to court

Your safety and wellbeing is our priority at every stage of the investigation.

We will keep you informed of what's happening and discuss how to manage your safety.

When the police investigation ends, all the evidence collected will be examined.

This is done by a person trained to make decisions about matters that may proceed to court.

The decision is made after carefully considering the available evidence and the rules of law.

This does not mean we don't believe you.

It simply means we do not have enough evidence to meet the required level for criminal prosecution.

If this happens, we will talk to you about it and explain why.

If the matter proceeds to court, a detective or the prosecutor will explain the process to you. You will be kept up to date throughout the proceeding.

The court process and what to expect

The court process has different stages, depending on which court your case is being heard in.

There are special arrangements at court designed to minimise any trauma to you. These can include:

• the court conducting a Ground Rules Hearing. The court will consider the communication, support and other needs of victims and witnesses to give their best evidence
• giving evidence from another location through a closed-circuit television
• using screens in the courtroom to ensure the accused is not visible to you
• allowing a support person to be present with you at court and when giving evidence.

Please visit the Department of Justice and Community Safety website for more information about going to court.

Court support services

There are services available to you and your family to help and support you at court. This includes the office of public prosecution's witness assistance service.

We can make referrals to these specialist support services if required. For more information, please visit the Witness Assistance Service website.